Conservative MPs publicly support ’Freedom Convoy’ organizers ahead of sentencing

Canadian Press

Sarah Ritchie and Craig Lord

Published Jul 21, 2025 • 1 minute read

Tamara Lich and Chris Barber on Aug. 23, 2024. Photo by Joe Warmington /Postmedia

OTTAWA — Several Conservative MPs are criticizing the Crown’s approach to prosecuting two key organizers of the “Freedom Convoy” protests, with the party’s deputy leader calling it an act of “political vengeance.”

Story continues below

Tamara Lich and Chris Barber were convicted of mischief in April for their roles in organizing the demonstration, which blockaded streets around Parliament Hill for more than three weeks in early 2022.

Lich has posted on social media that the Crown is seeking a sentence of seven years for her and eight years for Barber.

Let’s get this straight: while rampant violent offenders are released hours after their most recent charges & antisemitic rioters vandalize businesses, terrorize daycares & block traffic without consequences, the Crown wants 7 years prison time for the charge of mischief for Lich…
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) July 21, 2025

Story continues below

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre posted on X Monday comparing the proposed sentences to other offences that came with less severe punishments, asking, “How is this justice?”

Yup. Violent criminals are back on the streets in hours. Antisemitic mobs block traffic, intimidate families, and trash businesses with zero consequences.

Meanwhile, the Crown wants 7 and 8-year prison sentences—over a non-violent protest from 3 years ago.

If the Crown suddenly… https://t.co/3gHIExRJfD
— Melissa Lantsman (@MelissaLantsman) July 21, 2025

Story continues below

In her own social media post, deputy leader Melissa Lantsman calls the Crown’s approach “political vengeance and not actual justice,” while Conservative MP Andrew Lawton says it’s “excessive and vindictive.”

The judge in the case is set to announce the sentences on Wednesday, after taking into account submissions from the Crown and the defence.

You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.

Create an Account

Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.